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Somers' Corpolongo Pays It Forward

Sep 24, 2017 12:18 PM

SYSO Lacrosse

STONY BROOK, N.Y. - Many dream of meeting their childhood hero, and, at 11 years old, Somers native Alex Corpolongo was no different.

The future Somers High School lacrosse standout, while developing his skills at the Brewster Dome, had the opportunity to meet Kyle Harrison, a graduate of John’s Hopkins University who continued his career in Major League Lacrosse. Corpolongo was elated to meet his idol, which only further increased his interest in the sport.

Nearly a decade later, Corpolongo, now a star player for Stony Brook University, was lucky enough to return the favor.

On Jan. 20, Corpolongo received a letter from the father of an 8-year-old Seawolves fan, who attended every home game to watch his favorite player. Christopher DeLustro, the boy’s father, said his son, Christopher Jr., has been watching the Stony Brook lacrosse team since 2014.

“We love the father-son time we share watching you and your teammates play,” DeLustro wrote. “We talk about the game, how well you played and what he could learn by watching you.”

DeLustro said his son has been playing lacrosse since he was 3 years old and wants to attend Stony Brook, where he also went to school.

“Every time we attend a lacrosse game, he insists he is going to Stony Brook University just like his favorite player, Corpolongo,” DeLustro wrote.

In an effort to be the “World’s Greatest Dad,” DeLustro wrote, he asked if Corpolongo would be willing to meet with Christopher Jr.

Corpolongo didn’t hesitate.

On Jan. 29, he met Christopher Jr. and his dad at Stony Brook’s La Valle Stadium. After a throw around with Christopher Jr., Corpolongo took him for a tour of the facilities and gave him the stick he scored his first Stony Brook goal with along with an autographed picture.

As a junior last year, Corpolongo made First Team All-America East and All-Academic Team (36 goals and 7 assists) and developed a following with many young fans.

“He loved going into the stands after home games to autograph lacrosse balls and meet them,” said Dominick Corpolongo, his father. “So, meeting with Christopher was indeed his pleasure.”

Corplongo’s brother also plays college lacrosse for St. John’s University. The brothers will square off at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19